Classic Grounded Theory: Applications With Qualitative and Quantitative Data provides practical “how to” guidance for doing grounded theory (GT) using the classic approach articulated by Barney Glaser. The authors emphasize the philosophical flexibility of classic GT as a “full package” approach that can be applied to any study and any type of data where the goal is to discover and generate a conceptually integrated theory. Drawing on the experiences of novice researchers who have participated in GT troubleshooting seminars, the book provides step-by-step guidance on undertaking a research study that stays true to the classic GT practice paradigm.

An Overview of Classic Grounded Theory

1. Situating Grounded Theory on the Research Landscape

The Early Development of Grounded Theory

Are Glaserian and Straussian GT Reconcilable?

The Nature and Power of Classic GT

Emergence of the Classic GT Paradigm

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

2. Discovering New Theory as the End Purpose of Classic Grounded Theory

What Is a Theory?

The Drive From Substantive to Formal GT

Theorizing in Rupture With Existing Literature

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

3. Foundational Pillars of Classic Grounded Theory

Emergence

Constant Comparative Analysis

Theoretical Sampling

Developing Your Stance as a Grounded Theorist

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

4. Clarifying Common Sources of Confusion in Grounded Theory

Emergence Versus Preconception

Description Versus Conceptualization

Substantive Versus Theoretical Coding

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

Classic Grounded Theory in Practice

5. Finding Your Data

Why "All Is Data"

Overlooked Sources of Available Data

Collecting Your Own Data

Data Collection and Analysis as an Iterative Process

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

6. Analyzing Your Data

Conceptual Analysis as Distinct From Descriptive Analysis

Using Constant Comparative Analysis

Types and Stages of Coding in Grounded Theory

Core Category Emergence

The Key Role of Analytic Memoing in GT Analysis

The Iterative Nature of Data Analysis in Grounded Theory

To Software or Not to Software

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

7. Shaping the Theory

Theoretical Sampling

Theoretical Saturation

Theoretical Coding

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

Writing and Evaluating Classic Grounded Theory

8. Writing as an Important Part of Doing Classic GT

The Process Leading to the Readiness to Write Moment

Approaching the Literature in a GT Study

Writing GT With Mixed Quantitative and Qualitative Data

The First Draft

Writing Blocks

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

9. Writing Classic GT for Publication

Doing Versus Writing

Writing Classic GT Using Mixed Data

Writing Conventions

Some Guidelines for Publishing Classic GT in Top Tier Research

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

10. Evaluating Classic Grounded Theory

The Consequences of the Paradigm War

Criteria for Evaluating Grounded Theory

In Summary

Test Your Knowledge

Further Reading

Conclusion

Appendix A: Doing Qualitative Research Does Not Mean You Are Doing Classic GT

This books is a lucid and pedagogical walk through of the basic tenets of classic grounded theory. It is an excellent guide for researchers and students (at least master level) who wish to understand how to conduct a GT-study, or making the most of this type of methodology. The authors are very experienced and provide relevant examples. One of the best recent book on classic GT!

This books is a lucid book on the basic tenets of classic grounded theory. It clarifies how it differers from qualitative research methods and analysis. It is an excellent guide for researchers and students who wish to understand how to conduct a GT-study, especially how to code the data. All is explained! The authors are very experienced and provide relevant examples. A must if you teach grounded theory to your students.

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Judith A. Holton

Judith Holton completed her Masters in Leadership at Royal Roads University, Victoria (Canada) and her PhD in Management Studies at the University of Northampton (UK). During her PhD research, she was closely mentored by Barney Glaser. She has written a number of methodological papers and books about classic grounded theory and was the founding editor of The Grounded Theory Review as a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to classic grounded theory research. She is currently Associate Professor of Management in the Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies at Mount Allison University, Sackville (Canada) where she teaches strategy,... More About Author

Isabelle Walsh

Isabelle Walsh defended her PhD and HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches: Habilitation to supervise research) in Paris-Dauphine University (France). Beside methodological and research design issues, her research themes include Information Systems Usage, Cultural Issues and Change Management. Her research has been published in several international top tier outlets (European Journal of Information Systems, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Organizational Research Methods , Systèmes d’Information & Management, etc.). Beyond her research achievements, she has extensive corporate and consultancy experience and is currently... More About Author